Opening your small business is your dream, so don’t let your business bank turn it into a nightmare. Your financial partner can significantly impact your venture’s success, from streamlining your operations to fueling your growth. But how do you pick the best bank for small business in Georgia? With dozens of banks to choose from, small business owners have their work cut out for them.

We evaluated Georgia banks for their business checking and savings account features like online bill pay and mobile deposits, comparing fees and account structures to ensure they meet operational needs and budgets. We also considered the types of loans banks offer while prioritizing institutions that provide user-friendly online and mobile banking options and maintain a strong customer service reputation. The result is five of the best small business banks in Georgia.

The Top Banks for Georgia Small Businesses

These banks offer competitive business checking and savings account features alongside a variety of loan options, user-friendly online and mobile banking platforms, and strong customer service reputations.

1. North One

North One stands out for its strong focus on technology, giving small business owners an edge in their financial management. Founded as a fintech company, North One prioritizes online business banking, offering a user-friendly, mobile-first platform for convenience. This allows business owners to manage their accounts and finances on the go, including access to 90,000 GreenDot ATMs. 

They cater specifically to small businesses through a range of specialized programs and features, like fast loan approvals, budgeting tools and cash flow management support. North One offers its customers access to flexible lines of credit and business term loans to support their growth. Their automated bill payments, revenue tracking, and seamless integration with accounting software give small business owners essential insight into their cash flow. Additionally, their team banking feature, which provides unique logins and debit cards for each co-owner, simplifies expense management and ensures transparency.

North One’s customer support powers its convenience. Their help team is available through various channels, including live chat and email, ensuring business owners receive timely assistance. With security features backed by FDIC insurance through its partnership with The Bancorp Bank, small business owners can have peace of mind while managing their finances.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, modern and efficient banking solution, look no further than North One.

2. Synovus Bank 

Synovus Bank was founded over 130 years ago at a textile mill in Georgia, where it secured workers’ savings in the company vault. This community-focused approach has grown Synovus into one of the Southeast’s most respected financial institutions, with a significant presence in Atlanta and beyond. Synovus is dedicated to helping local businesses and individuals reach their full potential, making it a trusted partner for Georgia entrepreneurs.

They offer a variety of tailored financial solutions, including lines of credit, working capital loans and equipment financing to support growth and operational stability. As an SBA Preferred Lender, Synovus offers government-guaranteed loans with streamlined procedures and local decision-making authority, making it easier for businesses to secure funding. Additionally, their cash management solutions, such as ACH origination, positive pay and remote deposit, help businesses manage their finances efficiently and securely.

Synovus provides comprehensive merchant services to optimize receivables and improve customer experience. Their Synovus Commerce Suite supports various payment methods, including online, mobile and contactless options, ensuring businesses can engage with customers in multiple ways. The suite also includes next-day funding, real-time fraud assessment and QuickBooks integration, all designed to streamline operations and enhance cash flow. 

3. Truist Bank

Truist Bank offers small business owners a regional presence (focused in Atlanta) and a comprehensive suite of services. The bank is the child of a merger between BB&T and SunTrust, and combines the strengths of these two well-established institutions. As a result, bankers at Truist bring a wealth of experience and resources to support local businesses, focusing on building better communities and providing personalized care.

This bank excels in catering to small businesses by offering relationship banking and dedicated small business teams. These teams provide personalized advice and support, ensuring that business owners have a trusted partner to help navigate financial challenges and opportunities. Truist’s business checking accounts, such as Simple Business Checking and Dynamic Business Checking, offer flexible solutions with varying levels of perks based on business needs and balances, emphasizing their commitment to supporting businesses at different growth stages.

Additionally, Truist provides comprehensive treasury management services, including cash flow solutions and merchant services. Their merchant services are designed to accept payments in various forms—whether in-person, online or on the go—ensuring that businesses can meet their customers’ needs seamlessly. Truist also offers next-business-day funding, fraud protection and integration with accounting systems, enhancing operational efficiency and security. These features, combined with their extensive lending options, make Truist a valuable banking partner for small businesses.

4. Credit Union of Atlanta

The Credit Union of Atlanta (CUA) is a solid choice for Georgia small business owners, due to its strong community focus and long-standing presence in Atlanta. Established in 1928, CUA has a rich history of serving its members through economic highs and lows, embodying a mission to improve the quality of life for its members. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CUA is dedicated to providing accessible financial products and services to underserved communities, making it a valuable partner for small businesses seeking financial stability and growth within the local economy.

Credit Union of Atlanta offers tailored services that cater to both startups and established small businesses. Its business checking accounts come with features like unlimited check writing, 100 free monthly transactions and competitive earnings, making it an ideal choice for small to mid-sized businesses. The online banking platform allows business owners to manage their finances entirely online, offering conveniences such as online bill pay, eStatements and a Visa® debit card. This digital banking suite ensures that businesses can operate efficiently without frequent trips to the bank, which is particularly beneficial for busy entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, CUA’s commitment to supporting small businesses extends to their loan programs. Whether a business is just starting out or looking to expand, CUA offers various loan options tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses.

5. BankSouth 

BankSouth is a great banking partner for Georgia small business owners seeking personalized service and local community support. With a history of over 75 years, BankSouth is the result of a merger of two regional banks in Greensboro and Union Point, Georgia. This heritage underscores its deep roots in the region and commitment to understanding and meeting the unique financial needs of local businesses.

BankSouth distinguishes itself through its tailored business banking solutions, including a range of business checking accounts designed to suit various transaction volumes and needs. Whether it’s the Professional account for businesses with lower transaction volumes or the Executive account for those with higher activity, BankSouth offers flexibility and competitive features such as no fees on a specified number of transactions and straightforward fee structures thereafter. Their commitment extends to business lending, providing customized solutions for equipment financing, construction loans and investment financing to support business growth and expansion.

Moreover, BankSouth excels in merchant services and cash management, offering robust solutions to streamline financial operations and enhance efficiency. Their suite of services includes online banking platforms for easy management of accounts, remote deposit capture to facilitate secure check deposits from the office, and Positive Pay to safeguard against fraudulent activities. This comprehensive approach not only supports day-to-day business operations but also positions BankSouth as a trusted partner invested in the long-term success of Georgia’s small businesses.

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Banks for Georgia Small Businesses

Identifying the top banks for Georgia’s small business scene demanded a thorough evaluation process. We assessed each bank, scrutinizing their business checking and savings accounts and comparing features and fees. We looked for accounts with online bill pay, mobile deposits and check imaging, alongside factors like monthly maintenance costs, minimum balance requirements and interest rates on savings accounts. Additionally, we considered lines of credit, a vital tool for managing cash flow fluctuations. Finding an account structure that aligns with your operational needs and budget was paramount.

Growth often requires capital, so we also evaluated the types of loans offered by each bank. This included SBA loans, term loans and equipment financing. Competitive interest rates were also a key consideration, as they directly impact your borrowing costs. We examined each bank’s online and mobile banking capabilities, ensuring they offered user-friendly platforms for 24/7 financial management on the go. Features like mobile check deposit and secure online bill pay were also factored in. Finally, we considered each bank’s customer service reputation, including responsiveness and availability through various channels (phone, online chat, in-person).

Need Help Choosing the Best Georgia Small Businesses Bank?

The Georgia small business landscape is diverse, and so are your financial needs. The key takeaway is that there’s no single “best” bank for everyone. By prioritizing the factors we’ve outlined—account options and fees, loan offerings, digital capabilities and customer service—you can identify a bank that perfectly aligns with your specific business model and growth aspirations.

Remember, this post serves as a launching point. We encourage you to dig deeper and research the banks that pique your interest. Visit their websites, explore their offerings and don’t hesitate to contact them directly to discuss your unique needs. With careful consideration and a little research, you’ll find the perfect banking partner to empower your business to flourish.